Trump urges S.C. governor to appoint Sen. Graham’s sister as temporary replacement
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-07-13 12:15:00 — www.pbs.org
Trump Calls for Lindsey Graham’s Sister to Fill Senate Seat After Senator’s Death
President Donald Trump publicly recommended on Monday that South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster appoint Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, as Graham’s temporary replacement in the U.S. Senate. Trump posted on social media that Nordone should fulfill the remainder of Graham’s term, which expires in January.
Graham, who died over the weekend at age 71, was known for his close relationship with his sister, whom he raised after their parents died when they were young. Nordone was by Graham’s side earlier this year as he filed for reelection, highlighting their longstanding family bond.
The appointment process is moving quickly, with sources indicating that the interim senator could be sworn in as soon as Wednesday. Governor McMaster is expected to announce his decision later Monday, and Senator Tim Scott, who has spoken with Graham’s sister multiple times since the senator’s death, plans to attend the announcement.
A special election will be held next month to determine the Republican nominee for the general election to fill Graham’s seat. The open Senate seat has already sparked significant interest among South Carolina’s Republican leaders, many of whom are eager to advance their political careers.
Trump’s public endorsement of Darline Graham Nordone is a notable intervention in the state’s political process, underscoring his ongoing influence within the Republican Party and in South Carolina politics specifically. The recommendation comes amid a rapidly evolving situation, as state and federal laws governing special elections and ballot deadlines add complexity to the process.
As the state prepares for both an interim appointment and a special election, Trump’s statement has added a new layer of attention and urgency to the decision facing Governor McMaster. The coming days will determine whether Trump’s preferred candidate is selected to temporarily fill the seat of one of the Senate’s most prominent Republicans.